A bill in the South Carolina legislature would make it harder for environmentalists to sue to stop Savannah's disputed harbor dredging project. The measure also would hamper other suits brought by groups that want to see South Carolina's pollution control law enforced.

A bill to stop certain types of lawsuits, approved by a House subcommittee, is supported by major business groups and legislators worried about additional liability from lawsuits against companies and property owners. The legislation says people can’t sue under state law for enforcement of South Carolina’s pollution control act.

But if given final approval, the legislation would also make it difficult to continue with a lawsuit filed by environmentalists last week against the Savannah project, opponents of the bill said.